AUSTIN POND SOCIETY -
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Welcome to the Austin Pond Society.

The title of the heading picture is – Beauty in the Sunlight – taken by Frank Allcorn. For a full size view, use the link in the Main Header Bar.

Personal Report on SNAKES in our ponds.

Yesterday, my little Dachshund Richie, the same one mentioned below, was struck in the throat by a venomous snake that was under the deck in front of the workshop. I was working on something no more than 3 feet from where it happened and counted myself lucky that it was Richie and not me that was struck. I was not able to identify the snake as I didn’t get to see it being more concerned with Richie but there is definitely an uptick in them in my yard this summer.

I have several garter snakes that live in and around the ponds and yesterday while I was looking for whatever struck Richie, I found a black Whipsnake about 2 feet long that had just eaten something as its body was pretty distended. You can’t be too careful especially around the ponds or in dark shady places like under sheds. It seems that this hot, dry summer has really got them moving to find water.

Richie made it through the night which was a very hopeful sign. I went to visit him this afternoon and shortly after, got a call from the Vet saying he had passed away. He is buried with the rest of the pets in the garden next to the big pond. Rest in Peace Richie.

SNAKES in our ponds.

There has been an uptick in reported snake sightings around ponds in our area Although it is always best to err on the side of safety when it comes to snakes, not all snakes are dangerous. In truth, most snakes would rather not be in the company or vicinity of humans as we are a not the best of company for them either because we are mortally afraid or because we want to kill each and every one, both good and bad. Many snakes actually do a lot of good killing mice and rats that tend to gather in the rockwork around our ponds or under our sheds. They are a bit intimidating when you come across them unexpectedly and they will either try to get away or go into attack mode depending on the type. In either case, leaving them alone will generally be enough for them to leave.Obviously, if you have pets or children then a different approach may be called for but it is up to each individual to make that decision.
To help with identification of “good” snakes versus “bad” ones, here is a picture indicating some of the differences between the poisonous ones and ones that look very similar. A good rule of thumb for most of them is that the venomous kind, with a couple of exceptions, have distinct triangular shaped heads.
Incidentally, I have found non poisonous ones in my Skimmer which does tend to give one a bit of a start but given time, they quickly leave. I also had a rat snake in my shed and later out in the yard. I gave him some time to get away but unfortunately, Richie, my medium sized Dachshund found and killed him. He was all of four feet long and was beautifully marked. Always be aware and be careful.

ZILKER PARK OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

This is the main Zilker100 page that is live all year and will include updates.

100 years ago, the residents of Austin were given one of the best gifts of all time, the “Crown Jewel of Austin”. Due to the generosity of businessman and philanthropist Andrew Zilker, the citizens of Austin were given the land that is now known and loved as Zilker Park. Read More…

Tom & Sherry Gringas and their subject will be “Enhancing your Pondscape with Metalwork and Sculpture”.They have some wonderful metalwork around their garden and pond as was seen on the last Pond Tour

Monday – September 18

Jeff Price from Price Landscape . ” Landscape ideas for your yard ”

Monday – October 16

Paul Lawrence from “ Texas Land & Water Designs”

Monday – November 20

Member Holiday/Christmas Party

No Meeting in December

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF THE AUSTIN POND SOCIETY.

AUSTIN POND SOCIETY LIBRARY - CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW A LIST OF AVAILABLE LITERATURE..

There is now a list of available books about all aspects of ponds that we carry in our fairly extensive Library. You can check them out at the meeting for free. Our Librarian is Margaret Boeneke and you can reach her at librarian@austinpondsociety.org

FREE KOI -
GO TO THE MARKETPLACE FOR DETAILS

Do you have any used pond or garden equipment laying around that you would like to sell, swap or give away?

The Austin Pond Society has a page on the website called “The Marketplace” where members and others that have pond equipment that they would like to sell, swap or giveaway, can post. You can even use it to advertise that you are looking for a particular piece of equipment like a pump or skimmer or if you are building a pond, a used liner or maybe carpet for the underlayment for example.

Upon completion of the form required to describe the objects, the articles will be posted on the website. They will sell quicker if you have pictures showing your articles. Please note: Any dealings that take place are between the seller and the buyer. Please read the full disclaimer posted on the Marketplace page. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FORM